PhD Studentship (Centre for Climate Repair) - Methane Mitigation: Catalysts

There is an urgency to mitigate methane due to its high heat trapping potential being 84 times more than that of carbon dioxide. This is especially challenging now since most methane gases are released in small doses over large areas of natural wetlands and thawing permafrost. Current methane mitigation methods rely on high temperature processes, and this is not feasible and not efficient if deployed near natural methane sources.

With the advancements in renewable technologies, it has become attractive to utilize these 'free' electrons to tackle problems related to sustainability such as that mentioned above. In this studentship, you will engineer nanostructures and investigate catalytic properties under charge modulation for methane removal. You will determine the effects of charge application, methane concentration, different modes of perturbation, etc. with the objective of developing an active material. My group specializes in coating and thin film methods and catalytic systems, and the big picture goal is to find an alternative material that is just as active as expensive precious metals such as palladium and platinum, the two best thermal methane oxidation catalysts in industry.

Your work will include both exciting proof of concept studies and wider exploratory studies related to sustainability applications. The advancements you make will have a major impact on UK's pursuit for decarbonization. Throughout the studentship, we will develop the research objectives over time, with the central theme focusing on engineering interfaces. You will have the opportunity to work with world-class experts at Cambridge and at other national and international institutions.

Informal enquiries to tmo32@cam.ac.uk are warmly encouraged.

Lab website: Onn Lab Cambridge

This studentship is 4 years in length and includes fees and maintenance for students eligible for Home fees.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree in Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related subject.

Applications should be submitted through the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal (via the ‘Apply’ button above), with Dr Tzia Ming Onn identified as the potential supervisor. Applications may close early if the position is filled before the advertised date.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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